Influence of Antipsychotic Agents on the Sexuality of Patients Diagnosed with Schizophrenia

BACKGROUND: Sexuality is a natural component of human behavior. The general population has been extensively studied since the first half of the 20th century. On the other hand, regarding patients treated for schizophrenia, discussing sexual disorders was initially considered inappropriate because it was believed they should not be sexually active. Given these findings, this work proposes to study the sexuality of patients with schizophrenia. OBJECTIVES: Our objectives were to assess the sexuality of patients with schizophrenia, to identify factors associated with sexual dysfunction among these patients, and to determine practitioners' attitudes toward the sexuality of our study population. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study carried out in the Psychiatry Department of Kairouan (outpatient department), including 46 patients diagnosed with schizophrenia. A pre-established information sheet was completed for each patient recruited, including sociodemographic and clinical data; on the other hand, 3 scales ensured a sexual psychometric evaluation: Psychotropic-Related Sexual Dysfunction Questionnaire, Arizona Sexual Experiences Scale, and Changes in Sexual Functioning Questionnaire-Male Clinical Version. RESULTS: Concerning the evaluation of sexuality according to the scales used, sexual dysfunction according to Psychotropic-Related Sexual Dysfunction Questionnaire scores was observed in 31 patients (67.4%). According to Arizona Sexual Experiences Scale scores, 24 patients (52%) had a sexual dysfunction, and for the total score of the Changes in Sexual Functioning Questionnaire-Male Clinical Version, 27 patients (58.7%) had a sexual dysfunction. We cannot confirm the existence of a relationship between the dose of the current treatment (in chlorpromazine equivalent) used and the results of the test assessing sexuality. In addition to these results, we can deduce the existence of a statistically significant association between the antipsychotic agent used and the results of the Psychotropic-Related Sexual Dysfunction Questionnaire only. CONCLUSIONS: We recommend that screening for sexual dysfunction in patients followed for schizophrenia should be systematic, regardless of the antipsychotic molecule type and dosage. In this regard, we recommend the establishment of a better therapeutic relationship between caregivers and patients with schizophrenia, based on empathy and trust, so that the latter feel comfortable enough to address the sexual dimension in general and sexual dysfunction in particular.